Protecting Your Brain: How BHRT and Functional Medicine Help Prevent Dementia

By Dr. Beth Meneley, DAOM, L.Ac., Founder of Evolved Menopause

Cognitive decline and dementia are among the most challenging health concerns many of us face as we age. At Evolved Menopause, we believe that taking a proactive and holistic approach to brain health is key to prevention. By integrating Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) with functional medicine principles, we aim to optimize brain health and protect against the development of dementia. Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Dale Bredesen and Dr. Daniel Amen, our approach targets the root causes of cognitive decline, offering a powerful path to prevention.

The Link Between Hormones and Brain Health

Hormones play an essential role in maintaining brain health. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are not just important for physical health—they are also critical for cognitive function, mood, and mental clarity. Declining hormone levels during perimenopause, menopause, and aging can have a significant impact on brain function, leading to symptoms like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) works to restore these essential hormone levels, helping to protect and enhance brain function. By using hormones that are identical to those produced by the body, BHRT supports the brain's natural processes, aiding in the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.

How BHRT Supports Brain Health

1. Estrogen and Brain Protection
   Estrogen is known to have a neuroprotective effect. It helps reduce inflammation in the brain, promotes blood flow, and supports the growth of new neural connections. Research shows that women who maintain healthy estrogen levels are less likely to experience cognitive decline compared to those who experience a sudden drop in estrogen. BHRT ensures balanced estrogen levels, helping to protect against the loss of memory and cognitive abilities.

2. Progesterone for Cognitive Balance
   Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain and works to protect against the negative impacts of stress, which can contribute to cognitive decline. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy brain tissue. By including bioidentical progesterone in hormone therapy, we can enhance mood stability, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep—all factors that support cognitive health.

3. Testosterone and Cognitive Performance
   Testosterone isn’t just important for men—it plays a key role in maintaining cognitive function for both genders. Balanced testosterone levels have been linked to improved memory, mental sharpness, and overall brain resilience. BHRT helps maintain optimal testosterone levels, supporting focus and cognitive performance as we age.

Functional Medicine and Dementia Prevention: Insights from Dr. Bredesen and Dr. Amen

Our functional medicine approach to preventing dementia is inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Dale Bredesen and Dr. Daniel Amen, both of whom emphasize the importance of addressing the underlying causes of cognitive decline. Here’s how we incorporate these key principles into our programs:

1. The Bredesen Protocol
   Dr. Dale Bredesen’s research focuses on identifying and reversing the root causes of cognitive decline, including inflammation, toxins, and metabolic imbalances. At Evolved Menopause, we apply these principles by conducting in-depth testing to identify specific contributors to cognitive impairment. This may include looking at insulin resistance, nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, and hormonal imbalances—all of which can impact brain health.

   Our personalized protocols are designed to address these factors through a combination of BHRT, nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle modifications. We use targeted supplementation to support mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity—helping to create an environment in the body that supports brain health and protects against dementia.

2. Brain Optimization Inspired by Dr. Amen
   Dr. Daniel Amen’s work emphasizes the importance of maintaining brain health through a holistic lifestyle approach, focusing on factors like brain imaging, mental well-being, nutrition, and physical health. We integrate these principles by creating personalized wellness plans that incorporate:

   • Nutrient-Dense Diet: We recommend a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and low glycemic foods, following Dr. Amen's recommendations for optimal brain health. These nutrients help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to cognitive decline.

   • Physical Exercise: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain brain health. Physical activity promotes blood flow to the brain, supports neuroplasticity, and reduces inflammation—all essential for reducing the risk of dementia.

   • Mental Well-being: Emotional health is closely tied to cognitive health. We incorporate stress management techniques, mindfulness, and mental exercises to help improve emotional resilience and maintain a positive mental state.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Dementia Prevention

At Evolved Menopause, we integrate BHRT with a functional medicine approach that’s designed to optimize your brain health at every level. By addressing hormonal imbalances, reducing inflammation, enhancing detoxification, and supporting brain resilience, we help create an environment where your brain can thrive.

We use BHRT to restore optimal hormone levels, which is key to maintaining cognitive health and protecting the brain against the effects of aging. By adding nutritional support, targeted supplementation, detoxification, and lifestyle modifications, we address the multiple root causes of cognitive decline.

Our ultimate goal is to empower you with the tools and support you need to protect your brain and stay cognitively sharp, active, and engaged as you age. We believe that prevention is possible, and through a personalized, integrative approach, we can help you reduce your risk of dementia and maintain optimal brain function.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our personalized programs can support your hormonal and brain health, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll develop a plan that supports you in living a vibrant and cognitively healthy life.